The immune system plays a vital role in fighting off diseases that affect us. Every time a harmful organism such as a bacterium, a virus or a protozoan enters the body, specific cells and antibodies are recruited to destroy it or to neutralize its activity. Unfortunately, due to unknown reasons, the system may attack our own cells in a similar manner. This leads to what are known as autoimmune diseases. There are a number of important aspects on these auto immune disorders Charlotte residents should know.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to have more than one type.
Type 1 diabetes is perhaps the most well-known type. In this condition the immune system is activated and produces autoantibodies that are directed at the active cells of the pancreas. These cells produce an important regulatory hormone known as insulin. When the cells are destroyed, insulin will not be produced and the affected individual starts suffering from sustained episodes of high blood glucose levels that has to be controlled by injectable insulin for their entire life.
Another commonly encountered condition is rheumatoid arthritis. The antibodies that are produced here target and destroy the inner lining of small joints of the toes and fingers. The result is chronic inflammation that is associated with swelling and pain. If intervention does not take place early, the joints may be damaged permanently and function impaired. Management is mainly through the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs.
Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
One of the systems that is adversely affected is the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which autoantibodies attack nerve fibers leading to loss of myelin, a protective sheath. The symptoms include incoordination, muscle spasms, visual impairment, weakness and generalized pain among others. Myasthenia gravis is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that affect the interaction between nerve fibers and muscles. Treatment is by a drug known as pyridostigmine. Gullain Barre Syndrome is another example.
The thyroid gland is affected by two main conditions: Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis. In the former, antibodies increase thyroid gland stimulation and increase the amount of circulating thyroid hormone which effectively leads to hyperthyroidism. In the case of Hashimotos, the present antibodies cause hypothyroidism due to destruction of glandular cells.
There are numerous other types that affect varied body systems. In the case of the skin, for instance, the common conditions include psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo may be seen. Systemic lupus erythematotus affects multiple systems and pernicious anemia affects the blood. Treatment in all instances is geared towards suppressing the immune system.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to have more than one type.
Type 1 diabetes is perhaps the most well-known type. In this condition the immune system is activated and produces autoantibodies that are directed at the active cells of the pancreas. These cells produce an important regulatory hormone known as insulin. When the cells are destroyed, insulin will not be produced and the affected individual starts suffering from sustained episodes of high blood glucose levels that has to be controlled by injectable insulin for their entire life.
Another commonly encountered condition is rheumatoid arthritis. The antibodies that are produced here target and destroy the inner lining of small joints of the toes and fingers. The result is chronic inflammation that is associated with swelling and pain. If intervention does not take place early, the joints may be damaged permanently and function impaired. Management is mainly through the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs.
Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
One of the systems that is adversely affected is the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which autoantibodies attack nerve fibers leading to loss of myelin, a protective sheath. The symptoms include incoordination, muscle spasms, visual impairment, weakness and generalized pain among others. Myasthenia gravis is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that affect the interaction between nerve fibers and muscles. Treatment is by a drug known as pyridostigmine. Gullain Barre Syndrome is another example.
The thyroid gland is affected by two main conditions: Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis. In the former, antibodies increase thyroid gland stimulation and increase the amount of circulating thyroid hormone which effectively leads to hyperthyroidism. In the case of Hashimotos, the present antibodies cause hypothyroidism due to destruction of glandular cells.
There are numerous other types that affect varied body systems. In the case of the skin, for instance, the common conditions include psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo may be seen. Systemic lupus erythematotus affects multiple systems and pernicious anemia affects the blood. Treatment in all instances is geared towards suppressing the immune system.
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